Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, who is also head of the Quang Ninh provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, made the statement at a press conference at Trinh Pagoda in Yen Tu mountain in Quang Ninh province.

He said the event which is to be held in Vietnam for the first time will create a good opportunity for promoting the Buddha’s message of peace, reconciliation, progress and sustainable development in the globe.

Quang Ninh has been selected as one of four venues for major activities to mark the event.

The Quang Ninh provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Council will organise processions though key routes and central areas in the province, including Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, Ha Long and Cam Pha. To prepare for the event, the Council has also made 100 banners and slogans to be hung along the National Highway No.18 from Dong Trieu to Ha Long bay, Yen Tu mountain and Bay Chay beach.

Major celebrations will take place in Hanoi from May 13-17 with the participation of 3,500 official delegates from 80 countries and territories around the world./.